Volkswagen is joining the current fad for coupé-styled SUVs with the Taigo, expected on UK roads early in 2022.
Already on sale for a year in South America, the Taigo is closely related to the T-Cross SUV and Polo supermini. It’s expected to take on the mass-selling Nissan Juke, which is almost the same size as the Volkswagen newcomer.
The Taigo follows the current coupé-SUV fashion with a sharply sloping rear body, which Volkswagen insists does not restrict rear-seat headroom. It offers a 438-litre boot capacity, which is comparable to its less aggressively styled sister the T-Cross.
While Volkswagen is yet to confirm full details of Taigo powertrains, it is expected to be totally petrol-powered, and with only front-wheel-drive variants on offer.
Initial cars on sale are set to offer engines with 95, 110 or 250hp power outputs. Five- and six-speed manual transmissionss, as well as a seven-speed automatic, are offered depending on engine choice.
Initially, at least, the new model will only be offered in higher-specification Style and R-Line trim levels. Standard equipment will include an all-digital cockpit and what Volkswagen describes as “latest-generation assistance systems guaranteeing optimum comfort and a high level of safety for all passengers.”
Every Taigo will include Front Assist with an emergency braking function, and the lane departure warning system Lane Assist as standard. Offered as an option and taken from VW’s electric car range will be ‘IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist’, which will allow semi-automated driving at up to 130mph.
Standard equipment will also include the latest version of VW’s entertainment systems. These are fitted with an online control unit and depending on the configuration will offer features such as access to streaming services, voice control and cloud-based personalisation.
Volkswagen has not yet revealed prices for the Taigo but they are expected to be more expensive than the T-Cross. Industry sources predict starting prices at around £25,000.
